I'm considering either a 97/98 Ford Explorer or 97/98 Chevy Blazer. I don't know enough about them to make a well informed decision so I thought I'd ask for some advice here. Please don't just say things like go with Chevy because Chevy is better. I'd like to know about the vehicle specifics on what makes one better. Thanks for the advise.

Jacob,

I don't know much about the Explorer. I have friends that have the Blazer and they like them. You didn't say, but I am guessing you mean S-10 size and not the K5. For pulling the boat you might want to think about the bigger Blazer. Talk to me at the meeting next Wednesday.

jacobf, what are you going to be useing it for, are you pulling a boat, on the chevy is it a full size blazer or the s series,

I will be pulling an 18' center console boat (we've pulled this boat with a Bronco II) and hopefully a drift boat in the future The Blazer would be the S10 size because this would be my primary vehicle and I do have to commute a ways to work so I want semi decent gas milage. For both vehicles, I would be looking at a V6 engine.

That's a tough decision. I've heard a lot of gripes about both. Both of them would have enough power for your occasional towing needs. It's just a question of how often it will be in the shop. Maybe you should get the one that is cheapest to get parts for. Or get an older truck for towing and a commuter car for your other needs.
I'd check Consumer Reports or something of that nature.

i prefer the blazer with the v6 you can get as much as 205hp and maybe more with the newer ones? and try to find one with 411 rear end gears really makes a differance,

One of my vehicles is a 92 S-10 with the 4.3 Vortec engine. They are really good motors, I have 150K and have only had to do some cooling work, worn parts, hoses, and rod the radiator. Still has plenty of spunk and power . I was getting about 19-21 commuting and about 16-18 pulling my 16' DB. The only complaint about the chevy is the cheap interior and chassis parts. You will be changing the lower ball-joints and idler arm regularly if you pound the river bars often. I am sure the Explorer suspension has its own issues too. These small SUVs were not really made for off-roading. I replaced the S-10 with an F250 PSD, something that could handle the trials I put my vehicles through.

MB

Okay are you looking for room the explorer is much bigger inside than the s10 blazer, also the blazer only comes in v6, the explorer comes in 2 v6s and a v8, it also tows about 1500lbs more. There both very good suvs. for the money the explorer has the edge. If you go with the explorer, you want the one with the sohc v6 or the v8, the other v6 sucks. If you want more info email me, and I can get you a great price on 1 also

I've got a 96 S-10 and it's been okay. "Bout 95,000 on it right now: my bads and a few goods ...

Dooor hinges are noisier than hell and have been since day one, had them replaced and still problems.

Rear wiper motor has gone out twice.

100,000 mile coolant turned to goo at 70,00 and had everything in the cooling system replaced ... including heater core, water pump, radiator, etc.

Whole front end replaced (idler arms, ball joints, etc.)

Power window switches went bad on both back doors, power driver's seat motor went bad.

Shocks replaced twice, now on third set.

Door panels keep cracking in the storage unit at the bottom.

Maybe some more I can't think of right now ...

Good? decent mileage for the power I've got to tow (nothing heavy but does well with the lighter boats). Rides nice overall ... good experience with the dealership in Soldotna, Bill Koenig Chevy in PA sucks (I finally got my settlement check for their big wheel screw-up, so I'll say their name now) ... that to me is important too.

Still buy a Durnago over one of these again any day of the week ... to this point anyhow!

Just know that these vehicles are similar to Bic lighters, disposable at 100k. Not to say they completely crap out there, and some folks will have better luck then others. But you will begin to replace many parts before, during and after 100k. Their economy isn't any better than most SUVs and alot of the trucks now a days.

If you can afford it, I highly recommend either the Powerstroke Ford quad or the Cummings Dodge quad. The Chevy has received excellent reviews and will hopefully be a great drivetrain as well. These get 20 mpgs on the highway, aren't built as disposable, and will tow much better.

I do have a couple of friends with the ford explorers and they feel the vehicle as earned the name 'exploder'.

Got a 86 Chevy surburban Put 250'000 on it and just put a new motor in it lots of room lots of power. 13 miles per kind of hurts but the room makes up fpr it. Very easy to work on also. Just a thought..

Being a some-what loyal Ford guy I say go with a Jeep either the Grand or regular Cherokee,stay with the straight six, more torgue the V-6's offerd by the other 2.And then you don't have to have the full time 4X4 thats the only option on the grand with the V-8.
We've had ours for 7 years and love it.....Straight 6's rule .....Os

The Grand Cherokee is decent too, I also have a 99 V-6 with select trac. Os is definitely on the money with the V-6, I like to tell my vehicle what to do not be told wahit is going to do!

At the time that I was shopping, the Grand had the most ground clearance in its class. However, my S-10 4.3 has more spunk and gets better gas mileage than my grand. Don't know about the torque differences though.

I owned a 4.6 liter S10. Didn't have nearly the problems Bob has had. I sold it last year with 175K miles on it and replaced the normal stuff, (battery, alternator once, tune up stuff.) Overall reliable rig, but I didn't think it made a good tow rig. A friend of mine had a 98' Explorer(v-6) and transmission went out at the 50K mark. This was due to pulling his 19' sled around on weekends (no doubt). I now have a 98 F150 that gets 16-18 MPG with a small V-8, which is about the same as the Blazer. For me it made sense to have a fuel efficient truck that won't wear out from the weekend towing. I don't think its the motor you should be worried about, I think it is the drive train.

I'd definately go with a diesel if you are wanting mileage plus power plus long life. They are more expensive, but you won't be replacing an engine at 125k. Both the powerstroke and Cummins are great pullers (ever want to throw a 32-footer behind it and go just get the proper permits. My powerstroke tows my 18-foot Olympic like there is nothing there. And for what you's get in mileage with a v-6 SUV you'll match or exceed it with a diesel. My wife had a 96 exploder for about 6 months and we dumped it. It developed more squeeks and rattles than a Jimmy Houston Bass plug. Look at www.Ford-Diesel.com for more info. I know of 4 diesel pickups with over 250k on them that are still chugging away (one has had new injectors put in it) and are abused on the logging roads daily by friends who work as timber cruisers. They might not be practical rigs howerver, for commuting into downtown Seattle due to their size if tight traffic bothers you. If you are looking for 17 mph towing rigs these are the best ones.
Good Luck

P.S. I just happen to be selling my '96 extended cab F-250 powerstroke 4x4. E-mail me if you'd like any perspective on what I think about these trucks in general. I've owned this one for over 2 years and love it. However, I'm going back to school and have to get a little tin-can 4-banger for extreme mileage. Can't afford the luxery items when not working.

My wife has a '98 Explorer and we have put 50K on it in the last 2 1/2 years. It has the 4 liter v6 in it ,has plenty of power and has pulled the driftboat easily. Have not had a problem one with it ( knock on wood ),just regular oil changes and put some differen't tires on it. Heard the old firestones had some sort of problem with them . One other thing, if your a bigger guy, which I am you should consider the Explorer. There is quite a bit more room for us bigger fellas .

It's sounding like the Explorer is the way to go then. I'm 6'6" about 280 lbs so room is a definite concern of mine. I won't be towing a lot, just a few times a year so that shouldn't be a problem.